On The Come Up: Houston Area Defenders To Know

The Houston area continues to produce some of the most talented defensive prospects in Texas, and this offseason, several elite defenders are making a name for themselves. With a combination of size, speed, and relentless playmaking ability, these rising stars have been turning heads with their standout performances and production. From dominant edge rushers to instinctive linebackers, these athletes are proving they have what it takes to compete at the next level. As their recruiting stock rises, we take a closer look at several defensive prospects on the come-up in the Houston area.    Thompson is quickly emerging as one of the fastest-rising defenders in the 2026 class. At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, he has the ideal frame for an edge rusher—long, athletic, and explosive. His stiff punch and violent hands at engagement allow him to control blockers, while his lateral quickness helps him navigate through traffic with ease.   Thompson plays with relentless effort, never giving up on a play, and his speed allows him to chase down ball carriers from all over the field. His stock continues to rise, recently earning an offer from Mississippi State, bringing his total to 12. His offer list already includes Pittsburgh, Arkansas State, Baylor, Oklahoma State, UNLV, UTSA, and UTEP, among others. With his skill set and motor, Thompson is a name to watch closely as he continues to ascend in the 2026 class.     Combs is a dynamic linebacker in the 2026 class with the versatility to impact the game in multiple ways. At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, he possesses elite quickness, lateral movement, and the speed to cover ground in a hurry. Whether he's rushing the quarterback, attacking off the edge, or dropping into coverage, Combs plays with high-level instincts and great vision, diagnosing plays quickly and reacting with precision.   His production speaks for itself—109 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and an interception highlight his ability to make plays all over the field. He already holds offers from Air Force, Army, North Texas, Louisiana Tech, and Prairie View, but expect that list to grow significantly this offseason as more programs take notice of his skill set and playmaking ability.     Ayemere is a rising defensive force in the 2027 class, possessing the skill set to dominate at the outside linebacker and edge positions. His long, lean, and athletic frame gives him the ability to cover ground quickly, while his quick feet and fluid change of direction make him a dynamic playmaker in space.   Ayemere's versatility sets him apart—he can line up on the edge to rush the passer or drop back off the ball to read and react to plays. His ability to attack offenses from multiple positions makes him a nightmare for opposing coordinators. As a young player who is still developing, he is just scratching the surface of his potential, and his upside is sky-high. Keep an eye on him as he continues to rise in the 2027 class     Brown is an emerging linebacker in the 2027 class with the tools to develop into a high-level prospect. At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, he has a long, lean, and athletic frame that allows him to cover ground quickly. His instincts stand out—he plays with patience, diagnoses plays well, and runs through contact with speed and physicality.   As a sophomore, Brown earned 2nd Team All-District 24-6A honors after recording 60 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and a sack, showcasing his ability to make plays all over the field. His recruitment is starting to pick up, and he's a name to watch closely heading into his junior season as more programs take notice of his talent and potential.     Pitts has one of the most aggressive and well-rounded skill sets among edge defenders in the 2026 class. With a large wingspan and the ability to set the edge effectively, he combines length, power, and speed to disrupt offenses. While he plays with great speed, he remains under control, attacking with excellent leverage and using superb closing speed to finish plays.   His production backs up his dominance—116 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks—proving he can be a game-wrecker at the line of scrimmage. Pitts has been one of the hottest recruits in February, earning offers from Utah, Oklahoma State, UTEP, Texas State, Wyoming, and Stephen F. Austin, with more sure to come as his stock continues to rise.

The Houston area continues to produce some of the most talented defensive prospects in Texas, and this offseason, several elite defenders are making a name for themselves. With a combination of size, speed, and relentless playmaking ability, these rising stars have been turning heads with their standout performances and production. From dominant edge rushers to instinctive linebackers, these athletes are proving they have what it takes to compete at the next level. As their recruiting stock rises, we take a closer look at several defensive prospects on the come-up in the Houston area.